The Game by Diana Wynne Jones

Title: The GameAuthor: Diana Wynne JonesGenre: YA fantasyPages: 178Copyright Date: 2007Cover: A girl stands facing the reader. Her posture is aggressive and she is holding a golden apple in her hand. Behind her are constellations or trees.First Line: "When Hayley arrived at the big hours in Ireland, bewildered and in disgrace, rain was falling and it was nearly dark."Best part: Fun use of myth.Worst part: Some of DWJ's books sort of leave you scratching your head. This is one of those.Grade: CRecommended for: Fans of the author.

Hayley has just come to stay with her aunts and cousins. Things are wild, noisy, and chaotic - far unlike the strict regimentation of her grandparents' house, where she has lived since she lost her parents. But the cousins have a game, a very special game with golden apples, and she is eager to join in. What will the consequences be?

I really liked this book except for the ending, when things get very confusing. This is not the only book Wynne Jones has written that leaves this impression. Still, it was good fun, especially at the beginning. C+.